Port News Flash : 9/19/13

Express Rail Working Group Aims To Provide Service Reliability To The Rail System

A new caucus comprised of representatives from all container terminal operators, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has convened to improve service reliability at the Port of New York and New Jersey.

"We have a large number of stakeholders operating our rail system," said Brian Kobza, with the Port Authority. "With so many moving parts, it's beneficial to bring everyone to the table on a regular basis. The idea is to foster communication and cooperation. We've already seen results."

Kobza noted that various issues challenged the expeditious movement of traffic through the port this past summer. But those tribulations are now in the past.

"Our group will meet quarterly to address concerns in operational practices and with the rail infrastructure network," Kobza said.

Here are some highlights from the group's latest quarterly meeting (September 17):

All terminals advised they are current with rail import and export transfers. Transfer times have returned to around 24-hours and under.

Millennium Rail noted that its operations are running at better than before the summer levels. In addition, they are fully staffed and ready with a third shift to handle more volume.

Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) and the Port Authority discussed the rail expansion project, which proceeds ahead of schedule. The project's first phase will be completed in October 2013. All four working tracks covered by the project's scope will come online by August 2014.

PNCT reported that its recently completed flyover has greatly improved its operations.

New York Container Terminal (NYCT) and the Port Authority noted that they have begun to build tracks 6 & 7. The total project will offer another 3,000 feet of track and is expected to finish in May 2014.

NYCT announced that it has begun its toll reimbursement program, which lowers the cost per axle toll on some vehicles crossing bridges.

Global Terminal announced that it has moved its chassis pit off terminal to free up operating capacity. For rail operations, Global continues to barge its rail cargo to and from NYCT.